Children's Books We Like

A look at some of our favorite children's books around the office.

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS AROUND THE OFFICE…

Kristie Craigen

My favourite children’s book is Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. The story focuses on a young boy named Max, who, after dressing in his wolf costume, wreaks havoc through his household and is disciplined by being sent to his bedroom. As he feels agitation with his mother, Max’s bedroom undergoes a mysterious transformation into a jungle environment, and he winds up sailing to an island inhabited by malicious beasts known as the “Wild Things.”

It’s an oldie but a goodie. New York Times film critic Manohla Dargis noted that “there are different ways to read the wild things, through a Freudian or colonialist prism, and probably as many ways to ruin this delicate story of a solitary child liberated by his imagination.” Deep thinking aside, I like it because I have fond memories of reading this book cuddled up with my grandmother and older brother and now, of reading it to my own children.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT

Amanda Oswalt

The Velveteen Rabbit is an all-time classic. Any kid is sure to love the old-time illustrations and the heartfelt message of inner beauty and loyalty. Though I read this book in childhood, I never appreciated it fully until my parents gave it to me at graduation.

Justine Campbell

THE INVISIBLE STRING

My favourite book is The Invisible String. It talks about the fact that we are all connected by an invisible string to those that we love. When we need some reassurance, we just tug on that string and it sends their love and support all the way down it to us. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!

Dan Blurton

There are many excellent children’s books to recommend, but slightly off the beaten path is The Indian In The Cupboard. In the story, the main character, Omri, is given a magic cupboard that can turn plastic to life. The book follows Omri’s discovery and experimentation with his new found power.

The portrayal of the Native American in the book is very realistic, (“I no live tepee. I live longhouse!”), which sparked my interest in my toys as more than just playthings. After all, they could come to life at any minute and I’d have to take care of them!

BEN & ME

THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD

The appropriately named, Ben and Me, tells, in its own words: “An astonishing life of Benjamin Franklin as written by his good mouse Amos; discovered, edited, and illustrated.”

The book is self-effacing, both in the mouse’s mocking disapproval of Franklin’s boisterous personality, and in the contributions to great moments in history by a rodent. A very fun read.

Sarah Konopka

A CHAIR FOR MY MOTHER

My favorite children’s book is A Chair For My Mother. I can’t be sure why I remember this particular book from my childhood, but it is certainly filled with warm memories. The illustrations are beautiful and I’ve carried them with me through out my life.

Through my profession, I rediscovered children’s books. Their ability to engage the reader in such emotional responses with illustrations and few words leaves me in awe. I have many favorites, but these are at the top of my list.

LOVE YOU FOREVER

WILFRED GORDON MCDONALD PARTRIDGE

MY FRIEND IS SAD

Joyce Ngo

My favorite children’s book is My Friend is Sad. I love the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems. They are in simple words, somewhat unpredictable and always have a happy ending to the story.

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Claire Forrest

One of my favorite children’s books is The Night Before Christmas. It’s a Christmas poem that my mum used to read to me every Christmas Eve. It perfectly describes the excitement and magic of Christmas accompanied by beautiful illustrations.